There are numerous opportunities for fishing off the Papamoa Beach. Surfcasting is the most popular activity, with fishermen flocking from all over the Bay to catch this tasty local delicacy. You’ll find Kontiki’s and a variety of local fish at this location. The most common species are kahawai, snapper, and john dory, but you can also try your hand at gurnard.
The first 300 to 400 meters of ocean are notorious for bait stealing crabs. You can get around this by hiring a Kontiki raft and carrying baited hooks and sinkers. The rafts have five arms that stick out, each holding a barley sugar lure. The barley sugar melts in the water and releases its traces, attracting a large number of fish. While you’re out on the ocean, look for a few fish to feed your worms and sinkers.
The first 300 to 400 metres are the most challenging, as crabs are very prolific. If you want to have a successful fishing trip, you’ll have to fight your way through crabs. However, once you’ve conquered the paddle crabs, there’s no shortage of other species to catch. The best fishing spots, however, are not on the coast but inland. You can find these spots easily by following the signs posted around the islands.
Once you’ve figured out the best location, head to the harbours. They’re a great place to go land-based fishing, as the sheltered area attracts a large variety of bait fish. Because the waters are shallow, you’ll need to be patient. There are a few harbours in the area, and they’re all well-lit. Whether you’re looking for a small or large group of fish, the wharfs are a great place to start.
The first three hundred to four hundred metres of the sea are the most challenging. You’ll need to stay in shallower waters, as there are bait stealing crabs on the beach. Wharfs are also good places for land-based fishing. There are several channels and marine reserves to choose from. It’s best to visit the harbour before heading out to sea. This is the only place to find paddle crabs in Papamoa, which is home to a small community of natives.
The harbours are the most productive places for land-based fishing. They’re protected from winds and a variety of bait fish. The harbour entrances are similar to river mouths, and fish tend to move in and out of them depending on the tide. The first hundred to four hundred metres are the most productive, although they’re not always the best. During this time, though, the harbours will provide you with plenty of opportunities for land-based fishing.
The bay near the Otumoetai train bridge is another great place to fish. It’s best to fish here before high tide, as the tide is going out. You might also want to fish for kahawai, snapper, and trevally. You can catch these fish using a standard rig, and if you don’t want to go to the beach, there are plenty of baits from the local wharfs.